Volunteer Tax Preparation Tool Kit

Two bureaus of the U.S. Department of the Treasury – the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Financial Management Service (FMS) – are working together to inform taxpayers who receive federal benefit checks that they must switch to an electronic payment method by March 1, 2013.

Over the past five years, hundreds of volunteer tax preparation sites – such as VITA and TCE sites – have encouraged taxpayers to receive their federal benefit payments electronically. Now, your help is more important than ever. By participating in this initiative, you will help senior citizens and others ensure a smooth transition to electronic payments, while demonstrating your commitment to financial literacy and safety.

Easy Ways to Get Involved

The Treasury Department’s Go Direct® public education campaign makes it easy to share this important message with federal benefit check recipients and help them make the switch.

  • Train staff – Train staff to spot federal benefit check recipients and urge them to switch to electronic payments for their federal benefits ahead of the March 1, 2013, deadline.
     
  • Display materials – Display and distribute free Go Direct materials, including fliers and posters at your site.  
     
  • Take action – Help people make switch on the spot by going to www.GoDirect.org or calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Free Materials Are Available

  • Program Overview – Overview of easy ways VITA and TCE sites can get involved
  • Newsletter Copy – Information suitable for an internal newsletter article to staff
  • PowerPoint –  Slides for a presentation to tax preparation site volunteers and staff
  • Volunteer Guide – Reference guide for site volunteers
  • Talking Points – Messages for presentations or other speaking engagements
  • Materials Order Form – Form to order free fliers, posters and other campaign materials


For more information, contact a Go Direct campaign representative at (952) 346-6055 or GoDirect@webershandwick.com.

Additional Resources